Council merits praise for King road decision

Published: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 2:18 p.m.

Bravo to the Lexington City Council for naming a road after civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The council voted unanimously Monday night to rename Raleigh Road and Sixth Street for King. In a nod to residents and businesses that will have to change their addresses, the council decided to phase in the change over a 17-month period.

Many roads, buildings, parks, schools and other entities are named for significant people. This group ranges from local residents whose accomplishments may be long forgotten to famous national leaders that every student learns as a young child. Bestowing someone's name recognizes their achievements and serves as a lasting reminder so future generations don't forget, even if at times it takes some research to learn about the person.

Anytime a road name changes those who live there will be inconvenienced. Businesses especially will face costs in changing stationary and signage. But those costs will be short term, and once the necessary work takes place, then the issue will be settled. So it's important to focus on the big picture rather than immediate inconveniences.

King deserves a road named after him in Lexington. Many other cities, including Thomasville, long ago took this action. King played a vital role in making sure civil rights were extended to all people, no matter their race. He illustrated Americans that the color of a person's skin should have no bearing on how they are treated.

Honoring King is particularly important in a city as diverse as Lexington, too. The city school system, which strongly supported the road renaming, includes almost an even number of African-Americans, Hispanics and whites. Students in Lexington City Schools made their voices heard Monday night, as both a high-schooler and elementary-age student spoke in favor of a road named for King.

The turnout at the city council meeting also showed just how important the renaming was for so many Lexington residents. Almost 500 people attended, a staggering number for a city council meeting. Twenty-two spoke, with only two against. A large turnout doesn't always mean elected officials should vote the way the crowd wants, but in this case approval of the change was the right course of action and also aligned with the majority of those at the meeting.

The vote sends the signal that Lexington's city council hears residents' concerns and wants to take action that shows an inclusive city. The action marks the most significant governmental decision concerning King's legacy since the Davidson County Board of Commissioners voted in 2002 to observe the MLK Holiday. The current city council, like the commissioners 11 years ago, have made a positive decision that will foster better race relations.

<p>Bravo to the Lexington City Council for naming a road after civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The council voted unanimously Monday night to rename Raleigh Road and Sixth Street for King. In a nod to residents and businesses that will have to change their addresses, the council decided to phase in the change over a 17-month period.</p><p>Many roads, buildings, parks, schools and other entities are named for significant people. This group ranges from local residents whose accomplishments may be long forgotten to famous national leaders that every student learns as a young child. Bestowing someone's name recognizes their achievements and serves as a lasting reminder so future generations don't forget, even if at times it takes some research to learn about the person.</p><p>Anytime a road name changes those who live there will be inconvenienced. Businesses especially will face costs in changing stationary and signage. But those costs will be short term, and once the necessary work takes place, then the issue will be settled. So it's important to focus on the big picture rather than immediate inconveniences.</p><p>King deserves a road named after him in Lexington. Many other cities, including Thomasville, long ago took this action. King played a vital role in making sure civil rights were extended to all people, no matter their race. He illustrated Americans that the color of a person's skin should have no bearing on how they are treated.</p><p>Honoring King is particularly important in a city as diverse as Lexington, too. The city school system, which strongly supported the road renaming, includes almost an even number of African-Americans, Hispanics and whites. Students in Lexington City Schools made their voices heard Monday night, as both a high-schooler and elementary-age student spoke in favor of a road named for King.</p><p>The turnout at the city council meeting also showed just how important the renaming was for so many Lexington residents. Almost 500 people attended, a staggering number for a city council meeting. Twenty-two spoke, with only two against. A large turnout doesn't always mean elected officials should vote the way the crowd wants, but in this case approval of the change was the right course of action and also aligned with the majority of those at the meeting.</p><p>The vote sends the signal that Lexington's city council hears residents' concerns and wants to take action that shows an inclusive city. The action marks the most significant governmental decision concerning King's legacy since the Davidson County Board of Commissioners voted in 2002 to observe the MLK Holiday. The current city council, like the commissioners 11 years ago, have made a positive decision that will foster better race relations.</p>